*NEW* Early Career Teacher Entitlement
The ECTE (Early Career Teacher Entitlement)
From September 2025, building on the ECF, the government has announced that they are introducing the Early Career Teacher Entitlement. This will replace the language that is currently used-the ECF Programme, and will further ensure the highest standards of professional development for new teachers. This language encapsulates not only the ECT Programme, but the mandated Statutory Induction entitlements that all ECTs are entitled to. We are delighted to continue working with our outstanding Lead Provider Teach First in delivering this programme to ECTs and Mentors (ECMs).
Please see below for the key changes to the Early Career Programme for new programme members from September 2025 onwards.
To learn more about the changes, join us on Thursday May 8th, 4-5pm - Register here
Curriculum Structure ECT Year 1
From September 2025, the curriculum for Year 1 ECTs will still have 6 modules.
*NEW* At the beginning of each module there will be a Diagnostic activity for ECTs to complete.
This diagnostic tool will direct ECTs towards the most apt content for them, based on their input and will provide a pathway for them through each module. The results of the diagnostic activity will direct the ECT towards either ‘Core’, or ‘Stretch and Summary’ activities.
There will also be a self-directed optional module for ECTs: Excellent Teaching in Special Schools.
Curriculum Structure ECT Year 2
The curriculum for ECTs in Year 2 of their programme sees some changes to its structure; most noticeably, there will be 3 Development Cycles each lasting a term, rather than the existing 6.
The Diagnostic activity will exist as part of each Development Cycle as per ECT1, and there will still be fortnightly mentor meetings as per the current programme.
A more focused look at each Development Cycle is below
There will also be a self-directed optional module for ECTs with an interest in leadership development on Brightspace that focusses on:
- Implementing research in your classroom
- An introduction to effective mentoring
- An introduction to becoming a careers leader
- Preparing for middle leadership
One Year Mentor Training
In response to the last ECF review which was carried out in 2023, from September 2025 all new mentors will receive one year of training, replacing the current two-year structure. This change will focus on improving ‘mentor, flexibility, and contextualisation.'
*NEW* There will also be:
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Content to support mentors working with ECTs in either year of the programme
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More training hours allocated to seminars than self-directed study
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More space for collaboration in seminars
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Further guidance to support mentors to select their ECT’s precise action step
A more detailed overview of the year is outlined below:
Whilst the compulsory mentor training will be one year, the mentor will still be responsible for mentoring an ECT over their two-year induction.
Previously trained mentors do not need to complete the programme again, but they are more than welcome to refresh components of the training should they wish.
Alternatively, trained mentors can contact the Early Careers Lead at the Hub to discuss bespoke support: ecf@northantstshub.org